When it comes to expanding the capabilities of your laptop, thunderbolt 3 docks have become an essential tool for many professionals. Two popular options in this category are the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock and the Plugable Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station with 96W Charging. In this comparison, we'll delve into the features, performance, and design of these two products to help you decide which one best fits your needs.

Design and Build Quality

The CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock has a sleek and compact design, measuring 5.15 inches wide, 3.87 inches deep, and 1.57 inches tall. It's made of a durable aluminum alloy that gives it a premium feel and helps to dissipate heat efficiently. The dock has a small footprint, making it easy to place on a desk or take on the go.

The Plugable Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station with 96W Charging, on the other hand, is slightly larger, measuring 6.5 inches wide, 4.25 inches deep, and 1.75 inches tall. It's also made of aluminum, but has a more angular design that may appeal to some users. While it's not as compact as the CalDigit dock, it still has a relatively small footprint and is easy to manage.

Ports and Connectivity

Both docks offer a range of ports to connect your devices, but there are some key differences. The CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock features:

• 2 x Thunderbolt 3 ports (one for laptop connection, one for daisy-chaining)
• 1 x USB-C port
• 4 x USB-A ports (including one USB 3.0 Gen 2 and three USB 3.0 Gen 1)
• 1 x DisplayPort
• 1 x Gigabit Ethernet port
• 1 x Audio In/Out jack

The Plugable Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station with 96W Charging, on the other hand, offers:

• 2 x Thunderbolt 3 ports (one for laptop connection, one for daisy-chaining)
• 2 x USB-C ports (including one with Power Delivery)
• 4 x USB-A ports (all USB 3.0 Gen 1)
• 1 x DisplayPort
• 1 x Gigabit Ethernet port
• 1 x Audio In/Out jack

One notable difference is the inclusion of a second USB-C port on the Plugable dock, which can be used for charging or connecting additional devices.

Power Delivery and Charging

Both docks support Power Delivery (PD) over Thunderbolt 3, but the Plugable dock has a higher power output of 96W, compared to the CalDigit dock's 85W. This means that the Plugable dock can charge larger laptops or devices with more demanding power requirements.

Performance

In terms of performance, both docks deliver fast data transfer speeds and reliable connectivity. The CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock supports up to 40Gbps bandwidth over Thunderbolt 3, while the Plugable Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station with 96W Charging supports up to 40Gbps as well.

Compatibility

Both docks are compatible with a range of devices, including Macs and PCs with Thunderbolt 3 ports. However, it's worth noting that some features may not work on all devices or operating systems. For example, the CalDigit dock requires macOS High Sierra or later to support dual 4K displays at 60Hz.

Conclusion

When choosing between the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock and the Plugable Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station with 96W Charging, it ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a compact design and a wide range of ports, the CalDigit dock may be the better choice. However, if you need more power delivery and charging capabilities, or prefer a slightly larger dock with additional USB-C ports, the Plugable dock is worth considering.

As thunderbolt 3 docks continue to evolve and improve, it's exciting to see products like these two options pushing the boundaries of what's possible in terms of connectivity and performance. Whether you're a creative professional, gamer, or simply someone who wants to expand their laptop's capabilities, there's never been a better time to explore the world of thunderbolt 3 docks.